Top NFL Rookies to Watch in 2025: Offensive and Defensive Standouts Beyond the First Round

Discover the top NFL rookies from the 2025 draft who are poised to make an immediate impact this season, featuring standout offensive and defensive players.

Offensive Players

  1. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints (No. 40) With Derek Carr retiring, Shough is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position. His arm talent and mobility make him a promising candidate for the Saints' future.

  2. RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos (No. 60) Harvey's versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him a key player in Sean Payton's offense. His compact build and quickness are reminiscent of Bucky Irving's successful rookie season.

  3. Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Miami Dolphins (No. 37) Savaiinaea's versatility and strong performance in college make him a likely starter for the Dolphins, addressing their need for a reliable guard.

  4. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns (No. 36) Judkins brings a power and speed combination to the Browns' backfield, making him a valuable asset in the AFC North.

  5. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots (No. 38) Henderson's explosive play and pass-catching abilities will be crucial for the Patriots' offense, complementing Rhamondre Stevenson.

  6. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 83) Johnson's size and physicality make him a strong candidate to lead the Steelers' rushing attack this season.

  7. Mason Taylor, TE, New York Jets (No. 42) Taylor's reliable hands and blocking skills make him an immediate fix for the Jets' tight end position.

  8. Tate Ratledge, G, Detroit Lions (No. 57) Ratledge's toughness and reliability make him a strong contender for the Lions' starting guard position.

  9. Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans (No. 34) Higgins' size and speed will help fill the void left by Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, providing a reliable target for C.J. Stroud.

  10. Dylan Fairchild, G, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 81) Fairchild's consistent performance and toughness make him a likely starter for the Bengals, addressing their need for a reliable guard.

Defensive Players

  1. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns (No. 33) Schwesinger's movement skills and coverage abilities make him an every-down player for the Browns.

  2. Nick Emmanwori, S, Seattle Seahawks (No. 35) Emmanwori's physical traits and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Seahawks' defense.

  3. Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals (No. 47) Johnson's ball skills and instincts make him a strong fit for the Cardinals' zone-heavy scheme.

  4. Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 49) Knight's physical nature and hard-hitting style bring a new attitude to the Bengals' defense.

  5. Nick Martin, LB, San Francisco 49ers (No. 75) Martin's speed and fearless play make him a strong candidate to fill the 49ers' linebacker need.

  6. JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Indianapolis Colts (No. 45) Tuimoloau's instincts and power make him a key player for the Colts' pass rush and run defense.

  7. Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 63) Norman-Lott's disruptive pass-rush skills make him a valuable addition to the Chiefs' defensive line.

  8. Nic Scourton, Edge, Carolina Panthers (No. 51) Scourton's intensity and pass-rush prowess make him a reliable player for the Panthers' defense.

  9. Andrew Mukuba, S, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 64) Mukuba's football IQ and versatility make him a key player for the Eagles' secondary.

  10. Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 84) Parrish's speed and ball skills make him a versatile addition to the Buccaneers' defense.

Additional Players to Watch

  • Barryn Sorrell, Edge, Green Bay Packers (No. 124)
  • Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL, Minnesota Vikings (No. 139)
  • Jordan Phillips, DT, Miami Dolphins (No. 143)

These players bring unique skills and versatility to their respective teams, making them ones to watch in the 2025 NFL season.

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